Tyler Brooks
Wax seals are a great way to elevate your stationery, gifts, and packaging. They are usually made with sealing wax, but it is possible to use candle wax as well. Candle wax tends to be more liquid when melted and can seep through paper, so it might not withstand the mailing process. If you want to use candle wax, you can try the open flame method by placing small chunks of wax in a spoon and holding it over a candle flame until melted, and then gently pouring the wax onto the paper and pressing shut with a seal. Alternatively, you can use the glue gun method by inserting a wax stick into a low-heat glue gun, letting it heat up, and applying the wax directly to the envelope.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of wax | Candle wax, sealing wax, glue gun sealing wax |
| Wax form | Solid wax stick, wax beads, wax chunks |
| Wax application | Wax seal kit, spoon, glue gun, melting pot |
| Wax quantity | Marble-sized amount, a dollop |
| Wax temperature | Not too hot, not burnt |
| Envelope | Paper, envelope |
| Seal application | Seal stamp, seal coin |
| Seal removal | Wait 10-15 seconds, wiggle stamp handle |
| Seal impression | Clear-cut, dimensional |
| Surface | Heat-resistant, non-flammable |
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What You'll Learn
- Candle wax can be used to make a seal, but it might not withstand mailing
- Use a glue gun with wax sticks for a mess-free seal
- The open flame method involves melting wax in a spoon over a candle
- Hold the wax stick vertically, about half an inch above the flame
- Seal with a coin, non-stick product, or stamp
Candle wax can be used to make a seal, but it might not withstand mailing
Candle wax can be used to make a seal, but it might not be the best option if you plan on mailing your letter. While candle wax seals add a special touch to your stationery, they can be brittle and prone to breaking or melting during the mailing process. Commercial sealing wax is more flexible and durable and less likely to cause a mess.
If you want to use candle wax for a seal, you can use the open flame method. Light a candle and hold small chunks of wax in a spoon over the flame until melted. Then, gently pour the wax onto your envelope and press shut with a seal. Be careful not to hold the wax too close to the flame, as it may burn and smoke. You can also try lighting the wick of a wax stick and holding it vertically over the desired area, allowing the melting wax to pool onto the envelope.
Alternatively, you can use the glue gun method, which is faster and mess-free. Insert a wax stick into a low-heat glue gun and let it heat up. Apply wax directly to the envelope and press your seal on top. This method is ideal if you plan on sealing multiple envelopes.
When creating a wax seal, it's important to work on a heat-resistant surface to avoid any potential damage. Additionally, always allow the wax to cool completely before handling to ensure a clear-cut impression.
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Use a glue gun with wax sticks for a mess-free seal
Using a glue gun with wax sticks is a mess-free, fuss-free, and safe way to create candle seals. This method is perfect for batch wax stamping, such as wedding or event invitations, as it allows for better control of the wax and is much faster than using a candle and spoon. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use a glue gun with wax sticks to create perfect candle seals:
Step 1: Prepare your workspace
Creating wax seals can be messy, so it is important to clear any clutter and ensure you are working on a heat-resistant surface or mat to protect it from dripping wax. Have an ice pack, a bowl of ice, or a cold pack nearby to chill your stamp between uses. You may also want to have a microfiber cloth or towel on hand to dry the stamp after it has been chilled.
Step 2: Prepare your glue gun and wax sticks
Insert your wax stick into the glue gun and set it to the lowest temperature. If using a mini glue gun, 7mm sealing wax sticks are compatible with temperature-controlled devices. Allow a few minutes for the glue gun to heat up. Place an upside-down jar lid or a heat-resistant mat underneath the nozzle while it heats up and rests between uses.
Step 3: Stamp your seal
Once your wax is heated, you are ready to stamp! Take your wax stamp off the ice and dab it on a towel to remove any moisture. Ensure the wax stamp design is at the right angle, then rest your wrist on the table for support and press the stamp firmly into the centre of the wax. Hold the stamp in the wax for a few seconds, then lift it upwards.
Step 4: Cool and release
Place the stamp directly back on the ice so it stays chilled if you are using it again. If your wax is sticking to the stamp, it may be too hot, so leave the stamp on the ice for a few extra seconds to fully chill. Once the wax has cooled and set, you can easily release the stamp by lifting it upwards.
Troubleshooting:
- If your wax is bubbling or too runny, your wax is too hot. Unplug your glue gun for about 30 seconds to let it cool.
- If your stamp is sticking to the wax, try resting your stamp on ice before embossing to quick-set the wax and allow for an easier release.
- If you are changing wax colours in your glue gun, be aware that the colours may mix, creating a marbling effect. Plan out your colours if you wish to avoid this.
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The open flame method involves melting wax in a spoon over a candle
The open flame method is a popular way to create a wax seal. This method involves melting wax in a spoon over a candle. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Firstly, you need to prepare your workspace. Choose a non-flammable surface that you don't mind getting wax on. It is important to work on a heat-resistant mat to protect your workspace from hot tools and any spilled wax. Before lighting your candle, ensure you trim the wick to prevent uneven burning and dripping.
Next, you will need to prepare your wax. Place small chunks or beads of wax into your spoon and hold it over the candle flame. It is important not to hold the spoon too close to the flame to avoid burning the wax, which can result in a streaky seal. You can also try melting different coloured wax beads together to create a marbled effect.
Once your wax has melted, gently pour it onto your desired surface. Aim for a pool of wax that is slightly larger than your wax stamp. If you are sealing an envelope, pour the wax in a circular motion where the seal will go.
Finally, press your wax stamp into the melted wax. Allow the wax to cool and harden before removing the stamp. And there you have it – your very own wax seal!
While candle wax can be used for wax seals, it is important to note that it may not be as durable as commercial sealing wax. Sealing wax is designed to be flexible and durable, whereas candle wax can crumble and break easily.
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Hold the wax stick vertically, about half an inch above the flame
When making a wax seal, it is important to hold the wax stick vertically, about half an inch above the flame. This allows the heat of the flame to melt the wax without touching the flame itself. If the wax touches the flame, it will burn and smoke, creating a streaky seal that is hard to manage. By holding the wax stick vertically, you can carefully watch the tip as it starts to melt and rotate the stick as needed to prevent dripping. This technique ensures a clear and precise impression for your wax seal.
To begin the process, light a candle with a wick, creating an open flame. Then, hold the wax stick about half an inch above the flame, being careful not to let the wax touch the flame. As the wax melts, you may need to slowly tip the stick to a slight angle, with the lit end down, to guide the melting wax onto the desired area. It is important to work on a heat-resistant surface and use heat-resistant tools to avoid any accidents.
Once you see the wax start to melt, it will continue to fuel the flame and stay lit. You can adjust the angle of the wax stick to control the flow of melted wax and create a pool of wax on your project. If you are using a wax seal stamp, you will need a marble-sized pool of wax that is slightly larger than the stamp itself. It is important to work quickly, as the wax will start to set and cool within 10-15 seconds.
If you are using a wax seal stamp, you must prepare it before applying the wax. Place the stamp on an ice pack to cool it down. You can also apply a non-stick product or highlighting ink to the stamp to prevent it from sticking to the sealing wax. Once the wax is melted and pooled, quickly press the stamp into the wax and hold it in place for a few seconds. Then, carefully remove the stamp by lifting it straight up.
For a mess-free and faster alternative, you can use a glue gun with sealing wax sticks. Insert the sealing wax stick into the glue gun and allow it to heat up completely. Then, squeeze out a dollop of wax onto your envelope or project. Immediately press the seal directly onto the wax and hold it for a few seconds before removing it. This method is efficient and creates a precise impression.
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Seal with a coin, non-stick product, or stamp
While ordinary candle wax can be used to make a seal, it is not recommended due to its liquid form when melted, which can cause it to seep through paper. Special wax seal candles are available for this purpose and are very affordable. For beginners, it is suggested to use wax sticks with a hot glue gun, as this is a fireless way of melting the wax. Wax seal sticks are inexpensive, easy to use, and have almost zero waiting time.
If you are using a glue gun, insert a wax stick into a mini or standard-sized glue gun. Use a second wax stick in the gun to help advance the first. Bring the gun to temperature. Resting the gun on a piece of foil will help keep any drips or strings off your work area. Use a few test pulls to get a feel for the quantity of wax you would like to use with your seal. A 3/4 pull of the trigger should produce enough wax for a 0.75" diameter stamp. Two pulls of the trigger will produce a full seal for larger 2" sealing coins. Waiting for 10-15 seconds before you emboss the wax with your seal will create better definition in the wax.
If you are using a wax seal stamp, slowly pour the wax into a shape just a little smaller than the stamp head. Firmly press your sealing stamp into the wax for a couple of seconds and leave it to harden for about a minute. If you feel some resistance, leave it to cool for a little longer before gently removing the sealing stamp.
If you are not using a non-stick product and find that the wax won't let go of the seal, simply let the seal rest on the wax until it is completely cool, then lift it off. For strong waxes, rest your seal on ice before embossing the hot wax to quick-set the wax and allow the seal to be easily released. You can also use a non-stick product or highlighting ink to prevent the seal from sticking to the wax. Dab your seal into the non-stick product or highlighting ink, emboss with your seal, and lift straight up.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, candle wax can technically be used to create a seal, but it may not withstand the mailing process and could break or melt. Sealing wax is more durable and flexible.
The open flame method involves placing small pieces of wax in a spoon and holding it over a candle until melted. Then, gently pour the wax onto the desired area and press shut with a seal.
The glue gun method uses a low-heat glue gun and wax sticks. Let the gun heat up and apply wax directly to the envelope. Use a chilled wax stamp to create an impression in the wax and let it cool before removing.
Light the wick of a wax stick and hold it vertically until the wax around the base begins to melt. Hold the stick at a slight angle over the desired area, allowing the melting wax to pool. Press your seal into the wax and emboss before lifting straight up.
Place 1-2 sealing wax beads in a spoon and hold it just outside the flame of a lit candle until melted. Then, pour the wax onto your project in a circular motion and press your wax stamp into the melted wax.
